For more than 20 years in partnership with UK Productions Ltd – the panto powerhouses behind some of the nation’s biggest theatrical spectacles – Bournemouth Pavilion has staged the town’s much-loved annual festive pantomime, a glittering highlight of the Christmas season.

Established in 1995, UK Productions Ltd has delivered over 200 musical and drama productions across the UK and internationally, with credits spanning the West End and Broadway. This festive season alone, the company will stage 11 pantomimes in theatres across the country, including this year’s magical Bournemouth Pavilion production of Cinderella.

But behind every dazzling transformation scene and glittering ball gown lies a team of talented craftspeople, and one woman at the creative helm is Liz, Head of Costume at UK Productions.

For over two decades, Liz has been the creative force behind the costumes that bring UK Productions’ shows to life. Based in Blackpool, the showbiz capital of the North, she leads a dedicated team responsible for designing, creating, maintaining and managing costumes for up to 50 productions every year.

We caught up with Liz to discover what life is really like behind the ‘seams’, from the glamour to the occasional wardrobe horror!

What’s a typical day like for you? What do you do? What are your responsibilities?

“For the last 22 years, I have run the costume department for UK Productions, designing and providing costumes for up to 50 shows a year. Our costume workshop has a fantastic team that packs, maintains, repairs and constructs costumes and headdresses, throughout the year.

“A typical day for me is juggling the many aspects of providing costumes. Designing costumes, advising and managing the staff, providing materials and equipment, communicating with the directors/producers and cast members, reading scripts and bringing everything together ahead of the many opening nights of theatre productions all over the country.”

What has your career journey been? Did you know you always wanted to work in theatre/showbiz?

“My passion for theatre comes from dancing and performing as a child along with being obsessed with period productions. I always wanted to have a practical career, and I was determined to do something I enjoyed.

“I left sixth form college to go to The London College of Fashion where I gained my Art and Design BTEC Diploma, specialising in Costume Design. I then did a degree in Costume Design at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

“As I trained, I worked for UK Productions in any spare time I had away from studies. After graduating I did some small-scale design projects and worked backstage in various touring wardrobe positions. Until the opportunity arose to join UK Productions full time.”

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

“I love fabric shopping; it’s a real bridge between the design and the making. Quite often this is the point when people think you’re crazy also, so it’s great when you trust your experience and see it all come to life.

“Overall, my job feels amazing when you’ve got it right. The cast member feels the part in your costume, when the director feels it enhances the story and when the producer wants to use you again.”

What’s your most memorable panto moment?

“Watching my son perform in one of my costumes as a lost boy in Peter Pan. He’s 6ft now, so there’s no way it would fit him, so when I come across it in the workshop, I do feel emotional!”

What’s your career highlight?

“Meeting and making good friends with so many talented and wonderful people. Theatre is such a wonderful environment to work in, and wardrobe gets to know everyone really well!”

This year, Bournemouth Pavilion’s glittering annual production is Cinderella. Produced by panto powerhouse UK Productions Ltd and written by acclaimed pantomime master Jon Monie, this production brings the magic of the fairytale to life with spectacular sets, dazzling lighting, plenty of sparkle and, of course, glorious costumes.

Cinderella’s Fabulous Sisters alone have an equally fabulous wardrobe, with 20 dresses, 20 pairs of shoes, 20 wigs, a 10ft feather boa, a pair of handmade bespoke glittery shoes – 12 inches high! – and a 5kg make-up box.

This year’s production stars Melanie Walters (Gavin & Stacey, BBC), Olivia Birchenough (Channel 5’s Milkshake!), Bournemouth’s favourite funny man, Noel Brodie, West End star Jack Wilcox, and The Fabulous Sisters, Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph.

Together, they’ll bring this enchanting rags-to-riches tale to life — complete with comedy, music, magic and, of course, a sprinkling of fairy dust.

Cinderella tickets start from just £19 for selected performances. Early booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment. This is one fairytale that won’t wait until midnight!

From curtain-up to the final bow, Cinderella promises pure magic, perfect for families, friends, and fairytale fans of all ages.

Tickets are on sale now at bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.